Flame Tree

[petermalta]

I have had a Flame tree (delonix regia) in a large pot for 4 years.  It’s now pot bound, however, healthy.  I have reserved a spot in the garden for it, where hopefully it will give a great splash of colour.  My problem is I have tried growing them in the garden before where they have flourished for a year only to die over the winter.  I have read that they can tolerate drought, but never the less watered generously.  This is the last 1 I have of the original 3 I brought.
Any ideas when this tree should be planted out?
What I am doing to kill them off, after planting in the garden, both after 1 summer?
Any tips welcome.

[MG]

You have had this for several years so you obviously do know that it is deciduous.

In the winter, wet / soggy soil will kill this so make sure that where you plant it is properly drained. Also, if you are going to plant this out, do so now so it has a chance to establish itself well before winter.

Possibly you planted the others out during / just before the winter and the soggy ground killed them off?

MG

[josie]

Flame trees, or Flamboyants are originally from Madagascar and do well in tropical and subtropical climates. They will grow in dry countries as long as they are irrigated.
They tend to be deciduous in places with a long dry season and are easily grown from seed which has a good chance of germination even after being stored for up to 4 years at room temp! Delonix regia will grow very fast in optimum conditions and can be pollarded. The best time to transplant them is before new growth in spring. Practise good watering and ensure good drainage. Spray foilage occassionally if very dry - increases humidity levels.

[MG]

are easily grown from seed which has a good chance of germination

They are, if you scarify the seeds first and soak them for a day. If you don't scarify them you will be waiting a number of years for them to germinate.

I just lightly sand the ends of the seeds, then soak. If the outer skin starts coming off then the operation has been successful, if not, the scarification was insufficient.

MG

[officer]

Attention: petermalta

I have only just noticed your post of last May. If I may point out the name flame tree is given more to the Illawara (Brachychiton spp.). The popular name for D.regia is Royal Poinciana. It is indeed fitting since I can  think of only a few tree species to rival it. In Arabic it is called 'dellijja', not because it likes shade but because of the shade created by its canopy. There is only one thing I like to add to the valuable advise given by MG - even though deciduous it still likes to be in the sun even in winter when dormant. However if you want more specimens I still have a few left. Hope this helps.

Regards - Officer